Jaipur in pictures

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01

Jal Mahal

This exquisite water palace is located on the Mansagar Lake, between Amber Fort and Jaipur. It was part of a long restoration project, and has recently been opened to the public again. The original pavilion now includes a terraced garden called Chameli Bagh, numerous restaurants and craft shops.

City Palace

Jaipur, the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan, is known as the Pink City of India. It was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the&nbsp;ruler of Amber, after whom the city has been named. This is a view of the Diwan-i-Khas or The Hall of Private Audience inside&nbsp;Jaipur's <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">City</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Palace</st1:placetype></st1:place>.

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03

Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal or the 'Palace of Winds' is one of Jaipur's most famous sights. This five-storey, red sandstone palace was built in 1798 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. Its exterior is decorated with 953 small windows called jharokhas, with intricate latticework. The palace allowed royal ladies to observe processions and other activities in the streets without being seen through the jharokhas.

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04

Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1724. It contains 14 major instruments or astronomical devices, which are used for&nbsp;measuring time, predicting lunar and solar eclipses, tracking stars etc. For instance, the Samrat Yantra is a sundial, which can be used to accurately calculate the time using sunlight.&nbsp;It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction.

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05

Amber Fort

Amber Fort is one of the principal tourist attractions in the Jaipur area, located high on a hill on the outskirts of Jaipur.It was the original home of Rajput royalty until Jaipur city was founded in the 18th century, and contains gorgeous palaces, halls, gardens, and temples. It was constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1592, using red sandstone and white marble. It faces the Maota Lake in the foreground, while inside, it is divided into four main sections, each with its own entry gate and courtyard. The fort combines elements of Rajput and Mughal architecture, With imposing gates and large ramparts.

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06

Amber Fort

This magnificient gate, known as Ganesh Pol, is one of the four major gates at Amber Fort. It is built over three storeys and is intricately decorated with numerous mosaics. It leads to the maharaja's private apartments, which are built around a central courtyard. These include the Sheesh Mahal, the Jas Mandir, and the Sukh Mahal.

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07

Jaipur's markets

With its rich tradition of handicrafts and bustling old markets, Jaipur is quite literally, a shopping paradise. Some of its best shopping can be done in the numerous bazaars, which are concentrated in the walled city. Its local specialties include lac bangles, meenakari jewellery, blue pottery, bandhani textiles and metal work.

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08

Rajasthani puppets

These colourful string puppets or kathputlis are an important part of Rajasthani culture. Several Jaipur hotels and resorts organise puppet theatre shows, using musical ballads to narrate the tales of romance, chivalry and legendary heroes. These are also sold in Jaipur's old bazaars and make for excellent souvenirs or gifts.

09

The Oberoi Rajvilas

In keeping with Jaipur's royal history, the city has several fancy hotels and resorts. The Oberoi Rajvilas is among the most most luxurious retreats in the city.&nbsp;It has been built like a traditional Rajasthani fort, with old armory mounted on the walls, hand-painted gold-leaf wall murals, and colourful Indian miniature&nbsp;paintings displayed throughout the premises. Its villas and royal tents are spread across 32 acres of gardens and fountains. It also encloses a 280-year-old Shiva&nbsp;temple and a restored Rajasthani haveli.

10

Alsisar Haveli

Jaipur also has numerous aesthetically-restored havelis, which have been converted into heritage hotels. These offer a more affordable alternative to the city's high-end, luxury hotels. The Alsisar Haveli, pictured here, was originally built in 1892 as a nobleman's town house. Now, it incorporates the grandeur of traditional Rajput architecture with rambling courtyards, serene alcoves&nbsp;and lush greenery. Its 45 rooms are tastefully-decorated with antique furniture,intricately-carved poster beds, and fabrics embellished with traditional Rajasthani motifs.